Job Description

The Future Talent Program features internships that last up to 12 weeks and will include one or more projects. These opportunities in our Research and Development Division can provide you with great development and a chance to see if we are the right company for your long-term goals.

Our Regulated Bioanalytical Sciences group supports the development, validation, and implementation of assays used to evaluate vaccine and biologic candidates in clinical studies. The successful candidate will contribute to innovative projects that advance bioanalytical capabilities through laboratory experimentation, data analytics, and automation.

This internship provides an opportunity to work alongside scientists supporting global clinical development programs while gaining experience in regulated environments and modern bioanalytical technologies.

Project Overview:

The intern will support efforts to improve efficiency, reproducibility, and data-driven decision making using the FluoroSpot assay. The primary role will be to learn, perform, and develop assays with an emphasis on T-cell immunology methodologies (e.g., FluoroSpot) critical for early vaccine programs.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Develop cellular immunology techniques including cell culture, ELISpot/FluoroSpot, and flow cytometry
• Develop skills associated with assay planning and design (including design of hypothesis, proper controls, and experimental procedures)
• Learn how to interpret results and analyze data using various tools such as GraphPad PRISM, and R
• Properly document experiments and data analysis in Benchling
• Work according to established Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and regulatory guidance
• Maintain accurate records of ongoing projects in adherence with GxP documentation guidelines
• Adhere to GLP regulations and safety requirements typical for a BSL-2 lab
• Prepare technical summaries and presentations of project findings
• Present project outcomes at the end-of-summer intern symposium

Required Education:

• Currently enrolled as a first- or second-year student at a US-accredited university majoring in:
• Biology
• Immunology
• Biochemistry
• Biomedical Engineering
• Biotechnology
• Data Science
• Computer Science
• Related scientific discipline

Required Skills:

• Basic laboratory skills including pipetting and sterile techniques
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Experience using Microsoft tools (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
• Effective verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to work independently and within a team environment

Preferred Skills:

• Familiarity with data analysis software, such as GraphPad Prism
• Experience in immunology techniques, such as handling primary cells and cell lines
• Familiarity with the use of electronic notebooks, such as Benchling
• Interest in vaccine development and clinical research

Learning Opportunities:

The intern will gain exposure to:

• Development and execution of immunoassays, such as FluoroSpot
• Regulated bioanalytical testing supporting clinical development
• Vaccine and biologics development programs
• Cross-functional collaboration within a pharmaceutical research organization
• Scientific communication and presentation skills

Expected Deliverables:

• Data analysis report and recommendations on FluoroSpot assay performance
• Final presentation summarizing project objectives, methods, results, and impact

Please note that this position may be closed before the posted end date or may remain open longer, at the discretion of the company.

Salary range:

The salary range for this role is $39,108 through $111,111.

FTP2027

RL2027

Required Skills:

Preferred Skills:

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Our company is committed to inclusion, ensuring that candidates can engage in a hiring process that exhibits their true capabilities. Please click here if you need an accommodation during the application or hiring process.

As an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer, we provide equal opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability status, or other applicable legally protected characteristics. As a federal contractor, we comply with all affirmative action requirements for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. For more information about personal rights under the U.S. Equal Opportunity Employment laws, visit:

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We are proud to be a company that embraces the value of bringing together, talented, and committed people with diverse experiences, perspectives, skills and backgrounds. The fastest way to breakthrough innovation is when people with diverse ideas, broad experiences, backgrounds, and skills come together in an inclusive environment. We encourage our colleagues to respectfully challenge one another’s thinking and approach problems collectively.

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San Francisco Residents Only: We will consider qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records for employment in compliance with the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance

Los Angeles Residents Only: We will consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with criminal histories, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local laws, including the City of Los Angeles’ Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance

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Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, USA, also known as Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC, Rahway, NJ, USA, does not accept unsolicited assistance from search firms for employment opportunities. All CVs / resumes submitted by search firms to any employee at our company without a valid written search agreement in place for this position will be deemed the sole property of our company. No fee will be paid in the event a candidate is hired by our company as a result of an agency referral where no pre-existing agreement is in place. Where agency agreements are in place, introductions are position specific. Please, no phone calls or emails.

Employee Status:

Intern/Co-op (Fixed Term)

Relocation:

No relocation

VISA Sponsorship:

No

Travel Requirements:

No Travel Required

Flexible Work Arrangements:

Not Applicable

Shift:

1st - Day

Valid Driving License:

No

Hazardous Material(s):

N/A

Job Posting End Date:

10/9/2026

*A job posting is effective until 11:59:59PM on the day BEFORE the listed job posting end date. Please ensure you apply to a job posting no later than the day BEFORE the job posting end date.